We just purchased a 24' boat and need to know what we can use to clean it.?

Question

We just bought a 24' boat that has been sitting (unused) for a year. The outside needs to be cleaned along with the canvas. It's currently moored in saltwater. Anyother suggestions for clean up and products we can use?

Answer 1

I always give a new used boat the "Once Over".
If the outside a solid color Gel-Coat (Not Metallic) it will usually be oxidized. I used a "Fine" Rubbing Compound and did this by hand, then a good wax to really make it look new. Check the lower unit if it a power boat. May need to clean it up and paint. As mentioned, West Marine;
http://www.westmarine.com/
Can fix you up with lower unit paint. Also, there is a little fin above the prop, this more than a fin, it an Anode and not need paint. It gets ate up instead of your lower unit. Make sure it in good condition and replace if needed.
Inside I remove the seats/side pads and place in the shade. Clean/vacuum the inside and clean out leaves all around including engine are if an Inboard. The seats and side panels I check the wood and replace with ACX or Treated Plywood if rotted and use the old wood for patterns. It easy really. Also if the upholstery/vinyl all worn, again use as a pattern and replace. Simple straight stitch sewing machine. I do not grease anything and spray my moving parts will Silicon it better and cheaper than Armoral (Spelling?) and can be used to spray plastic and vinyl. Any mold as said above just a little bleach and water and dry and spray with your silicon.
Put all the seats and side panels back and tell everyone it a 2006 model and they will believe you. ;-)

Oops! Do not forget to check wheel bearings on the trailer clean and re-pack. There nothing worse to be on the road and a bearing go out because of $2 worth of grease and a little elbow grease.

Answer 2

Do a haulout and scrape and powerwash the hull. The sea has all kinds of nasty hitchikers that will attach themselves to the hull. There are oxidation removers for fiberglass that won't damage the gelcoat, but can get most mold, mildew and ruststains off. Isso makes good products, The advice to go to West Marine is best.

Don't use Comet. It will abrade the gelcoat and mold will get a toehold there you will never be able to get rid of.

Answer 3

well I always just used comet and a scrub brush some times bleach. but then again my boot wasn't moored. Go to west marine though and talk with them. some places and this is rare, they will have a boot wash on the water. you might see if you can find something like that.

Answer 4

An old company named Fuller Brush makes a product (plastic and fiberglass cleaner) that works very well on fiberglass hulls.

That is the only thing we have every used on our boats.

Answer 5

Put the canvas on a lawn and scrub, the hull use a bucket and scrubbing brush, in both cases use dish-wash detergent, less harm to environment.

Answer 6

I worked at a marina and we always cleaned the interior with bleach water it removes all the mold and buildup...make sure you wear gloves....for the outside of the boat...it might need re- sealed, waxed and buffed.

Answer 7

go to west marine and ask the salesman